Falcons rip RL/P to remain undefeated
Abby now 4-0, ranked fifth in Division 6
The Abbotsford Falcons are never far away from the big play. It’s something the Falcons hang their hat on, and take a great deal of pride from. Falcons head coach Jake Knapmiller says it’s also a mentality his players take with them into every huddle and each snap.
“The discussion always is it’s much easier on you to score a big one than it is to run ten plays in HS football,” Knapmiller says. “Having the mindset all the time that you will make a big play, and practice that way, it shows in games.”
The Falcons wasted little time in showing their big play potential during Thursday’s non-conference meeting with the Rib Lake/Prentice co-op in Rib Lake.
Jake Hirsch scored first for Abby from eight yards out, and another TD run came from the legs of JV Castillo to make it 13-0 after one quarter.
Rib Lake/Prentice managed to get on the board with five minutes left in the first half on a one-yard run. The Falcons stopped the two point conversion to remain out in front at 13-6. Abby went to Evan Schunk to extend their lead, and the speedster scored from three yards out to make it 19-6.
“We tried to get more guys involved for a few reasons,” Knapmiller explained. “Those guys need reps at game speed. Since they don’t do junior varsity, they need them in varsity action.”
The Falcons also used the game to save on wear and tear for their starters, with Abbotsford entering the teeth of their schedule. Matches against ranked opponents Colby, Edgar and Hurley are all on the docket in the coming weeks.
“JV and Ty will be the guys that will probably carry more of the load later in the year, and if they don’t get pounded 20 times a game each week, that is OK.”
After seeing the offense make plays, it was time for the defense to make noise. A Brandon Diedrich interception gave the Falcons the ball at midfield with a minute before the break, and the Falcons took advantage of the remaining time.
Ty Falteisek, who has almost a thousand rushing yards through just four games, added more after he burned would-be tacklers for a 39-yard TD.
The Falcons missed the two point conversion, but went into the half holding a 25-6 advantage. Rib Lake/Prentice began the second half with a deep drive that went down to the Falcons’ eight yard line.
Rib Lake/Prentice got to the one yard line, but Abby turned them away on downs. The Falcons stopped Rib Lake/ Prentice three times on fourth down, but allowed their hosts to convert 50 percent of their third downs.
“Our defense was far from good. Some of it was poor technique but most was lack of discipline with feet and eyes on tackles,” Knapmiller said. “We had to have missed 25 tackles. I think Rib Lake had the ball for 40 out of 48 minutes.”
Thankfully, Abbotsford’s offense was the perfect remedy to the defensive woes. Falteisek scored from two yards out, and a successful two point conversion brought the game to 33-6. Rib Lake/ Prentice found the endzone again, but Falteisek snuffed out any chance of a comeback when he took the ball 75-yards to the house on the ensuing kick-off.
The two teams traded scores, but the Falcons ground game was too much for the co-op to overcome. Abby amassed 433 rushing yards in the 47-18 victory.
Falteisek led the way with 130 yards on nine carries and three TDs. Evan Reis added 90 yards on three carries and one TD, including a 70-yard run. Hirsch had 61 yards and a score on six carries.
“We still have our spots that need improvement. Run game is improving, and we have been able to use our size for the most part,” Knapmiller remarked. “Once we face big and physical teams, we don’t know if that will hold up. We see one of those this week, so we will find out.”
Knapmiller is referencing the Falcons’ upcoming game with the Colby Hornets this week in Abbotsford’s Marawood Conference opener. Colby is coming off a statement win over the Edgar Wildcats, a perennial state title contender.
The Hornets are second in Division 6 and Abbotsford is ranked in the top five in D-6, but Knapmiller does not place much stock in standings, and believes the Falcons have a chance for the upset, so long as they execute their game plan.
“I think we need to slow things up and not wear ourselves out. They have really good, college type kids all over and tough match ups. It’s not like they really have a weak spot so you try to be disciplined and do what you do best.”
Kick-off will be at 7 p.m. in Abbotsford. A win over Colby gives the Falcons a leg up on the chase for the Marawood title, and the travelling milk jug trophy that was unveiled last year.
KISS MY GRASS - Evan Reis sprints away from a Rib Lake/Prentice linebacker for one of several big Abbotsford runs on Thursday.
